Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Martin Tardif will oversee all support staff, with worldwide responsibilities for store operational and financial analytics, as well as franchise support.
San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) May 20, 2013 - Charles Beaupre, CEO of Play N Trade brings in a senior level executive, Martin Tardif. Tardif immediately increased the support system for Play N Trade by adding two senior support specialists. Jean Frederick Benoit and Mauricio Flores joined the team in April 2013. Franchisees are already seeing an increase in support worldwide.
Tardif has implemented a process he developed for Play N Trade called Franchise Business Improvement Plan (FBIP), a unique process which includes store analytics and benchmarking for each franchise owner. This is a system wide outreach program involving conference calls to franchisees, insight into all reporting, corporate staff being utilized for marketing services, an overview of projected profits, with the continued support of stores through every stage of their business cycle...

MaidPro's high employee ratings earn a spot in Boston Business Journal's 2013 "Best Places to Work" awards list for the third consecutive year.
Boston, MA (PRWEB) May 20, 2013 - The Boston Business Journal has named MaidPro (http://www.maidprofranchise.com) – the top-rated maid service for franchisee satisfaction as one of the Best Places to Work in Massachusetts in its eleventh annual regional awards program. The honor recognizes MaidPro’s achievements in creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of employee satisfaction, working conditions and company culture.
MaidPro was one of over 400 companies to qualify for consideration based on a two-stage nomination process and the results of employee-satisfaction surveys taken throughout March & April...

ATLANTA - May 20, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Church’s Chicken President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Hyatt announced today the appointment of Tony Moralejo as its Chief Development Officer responsible for domestic and international expansion for the globally recognized quick-service chicken chain. His responsibilities also include franchising, reimaging, construction and real estate management. Tony reports directly to Jim Hyatt and is a member of the brand’s executive team.
Moralejo joins Church’s Chicken after more than fifteen years in various high profile senior positions within the Burger King Corporation, including providing leadership in development, franchising, real estate, finance and marketing and was also the brand’s International General Counsel...

KidzArt/Art Innovators, an international provider of art enrichment for all ages, announces it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.
Jackson, MI (PRWEB) May 20, 2013 - KidzArt/Art Innovators, an international provider of art enrichment for all ages, announces it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.
KidzArt/Art Innovators honors military veterans by waiving the franchise fee for qualified service members. Their Veteran's program also offers a protected territory, a Web page, a $500 online class registration system, $1000 off all start up marketing services, complete business and art training and on-going franchise support...

May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – RE/MAX brokers claimed a substantial share of the honors when the Chicago Association of Realtors® (C.A.R.) announced its annual awards for sales accomplishments in 2012. The results were revealed a few weeks ago and underscore the outstanding productivity of RE/MAX brokers when it comes to Chicago real estate sales. RE/MAX brokers increased the number of C.A.R awards they took home at the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels by 38 percent, compared to awards received a year ago.
Once again, Linda O’Donnell, broker/owner of RE/MAX Signature, 2411 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, and Robert Padron, broker/owner of RE/MAX Cityview, 6430 N. Central Ave., Chicago, are among the 14 brokers honored with the Platinum Level Achiever Award for sales of 165 or more units...

Synergy HomeCare provides free ebook for adult children wanting to talk to parents about home care.
Huntersville, NC - May 19, 2013 - (PR.com) - While Mother’s Day has passed, worries may still linger if you’re one of the growing number of adult children with an aging mother. Perhaps you couldn’t help but notice that Mom wasn’t quite as sharp as she used to be or how her arthritis makes it difficult for her to navigate up and down stairs. She may even be letting her once-immaculate home get cluttered and gather dust.
According to Synergy HomeCare of Greater Charlotte, these are just a few of the telltale signs that it’s time to have "The Conversation" about your aging mother’s home care needs...

Now, first time guests in San Jose, California can receive a complimentary waxing service.
San Jose, California (PRWEB) May 19, 2013 - European Wax Center San Jose-The Plant is happy to announce their latest money saving option for hair removal in San Jose, California. Now, first time guests to European Wax Center can receive a Free Wax Offer in Santa Clara County.
With the fantastic Free Wax Offer men may receive a free ear, nose, or eyebrow wax, while women may receive a free underarm, bikini, or eyebrow waxing in San Jose, CA. This thrifty offer lets smart Louisville guests experience difference between European Wax Center and other waxing facilities for themselves.
At European Wax Center San Jose-The Plant, they only use their patented purple Comfort Wax that was exclusively designed in Paris and only sticks to the hair, not skin, to ensure virtually pain-free waxing in Santa Clara, California...

Co-host of “The American Woodshop” on PBS, Scott Phillips offers Father’s Day gift ideas from Woodcraft for woodworking and home improvement projects.
Parkersburg, West Virginia (PRWEB) May 17, 2013 - To help shoppers looking for Father’s Day gift ideas, Scott Phillips visited Woodcraft and found nearly two dozen products that Dads who are woodworkers and DIYers should welcome.
“Woodcraft and I have gone together and selected some of the best product ideas for any handy person in a woodshop,” Phillips said. Some of his suggestions are included below, but to view the entire “Woodcraft Father’s Day Gift Guide with Scott Phillips” video, click here http://youtu.be/6pwDrDkczBY. Phillips and his wife Suzy are co-hosts of “The American Woodshop” on PBS...

South Beach Tanning is looking to have some fun with their clients and help them fulfill their Powerball dreams.
Orlando, FL (PRWEB) May 18, 2013 - This weekend’s Powerball jackpot is up to $550 million, and that’s got a lot of people pretty excited—including South Beach Tanning Company. They’re so excited that they thought they’d share their enthusiasm with their Facebook fans in the form of a Powerball split. South Beach Tanning has purchased two Powerball tickets for Saturday’s drawing and they’re offering their Facebook fans a way to get in on the action.
To enter, fans should go to South Beach Tanning’s Facebook page, like it, then find the picture of the Powerball tickets and like that, as well...

Longtime Fan Helps Launch the “ReinCONEation” of Fan-Favorite from the Flavor Graveyard
BURLINGTON, Vt. - May 17, 2013(BUSINESS WIRE) - What is the proper grieving period for a dearly departed... ice cream flavor? Regardless, for Ben & Jerry's fans who have counted White Russian as one of their favorite Ben & Jerry's flavors, the time for mourning is over! After years of dealing with the loss, laying flowers at the flavor’s headstone at the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, and writing to the company asking for the flavor to come back, the fan-favorite White Russian is being reinCONEated! Fans can celebrate by stopping by their local scoop shop across the country to taste the sweet surprise.
White Russian, a smooth and intense coffee liqueur ice cream, was available in pints and in scoop shops from 1986 through 1996 before being laid to rest peacefully in the Flavor Graveyard, after trailing other flavors in popularity...

Now, first time guests in Louisville, Kentucky can receive a complimentary waxing service.
Louisville, Kentucky (PRWEB) May 18, 2013 - European Wax Center Louisville is happy to announce a new money saving option for waxing in Louisville, Kentucky. Now, first time guests to European Wax Center can receive a Free Wax Offer.
With the Free Wax Offer men may receive a free ear, nose, or eyebrow wax, while women may receive a free underarm, eyebrow or bikini waxing in Jefferson County, Kentucky. This great offer lets Louisville guests experience and see the difference between European Wax Center and other waxing facilities for themselves.
At European Wax Center Louisville, they use their patented purple Comfort Wax that was exclusively designed in Paris and only sticks to the hair, not skin, to ensure virtually pain-free hair removal in Louisville, Kentucky...

Local Franchisee of Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies signs lease on the new Maui Wowi site located at a premier shopping destination in Locust Grove, Georgia.
Greenwood Village, CO (PRWEB) May 18, 2013 - Shoppers in Locust Grove, Georgia will soon be enjoying the tropical flavors of Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies as they browse through the array of stores at Tanger Outlets. Owned by local Maui Wowi franchisee, Amit Patel, the new location will bring the franchise company to the area as soon as August.
“The Tanger Outlets are a hot spot for shoppers looking for great bargains and a day of fun,” said Eric Richardson, construction project manager. “Maui Wowi will be a great addition to the destination and offer visitors a relaxing place to lay down their bags, rest their feet, and enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie or Hawaiian coffee...

May 9, 2013 - Weichert Relocation Resources Inc., a global leader in workforce mobility management, announced that Don Smith has joined the company as senior vice president, business development for North America. In this role, Smith will manage the company’s sales force in the United States and Canada, while overseeing and building the North American pipeline.
An accomplished veteran of the workforce mobility industry, Smith brings over 35 years of experience to Weichert, including deep expertise in sales, business development and client services. He will report directly to Jim Schneider, executive vice president of business development and consulting solutions for Weichert.
“Don is without question considered a leader in workforce mobility business development, and we are excited to bring his insight and vision to our company,” said Schneider...

Consumers maintain optimism regarding Canadian recreational property market, according to Royal LePage survey.
May 17, 2013 // Franchising.com // TORONTO - According to a new survey released today by Royal LePage, interest rates factor hugely into the decisions of Canadian households when it comes to purchasing a recreational property.
The survey, which polled Canadians across the country who either currently own or intend to purchase a recreational property within the next five years, found that most (82 per cent) Canadians say interest rates will influence their decision to purchase a recreational property – and a majority (58 per cent) feel added urgency to buy a recreational property while interest rates are low.
Survey respondents demonstrated overall optimism regarding the Canadian recreational property market...

May 8, 2013 - During the last weekend in April, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) held its annual Nationwide Open House Weekend. The purpose of the event was to encourage Realtors throughout the country to host as many open houses as possible. The event was a success. In fact, Weichert, Realtors alone hosted more than 3,100 open houses that attracted more than 21,000 homebuyers in the areas where it operates company-owned offices.
“While a special weekend for open houses is great, I believe wholeheartedly that every weekend is a great weekend to hold an open house,” said Jim Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors. “That’s why open houses are an integral part of our marketing strategy at Weichert...

101 Mobility Utah/Salt Lake City opens as a nationally branded full-service sales, maintenance, and installation provider of a complete line of mobility equipment, including stair lifts, auto lifts, ramps, wheelchair lifts, patient lifts, scooters, pool lifts, ADA compliant accessibility solutions and more. Owner Kyle Binns, along with Co-Owner/father, Richard Binns and Co-Owner/brother-in-law, Stewart Gollmer, proudly represent 101 Mobility’s 26th franchisee opening.
Utah (PRWEB) May 17, 2013 - 101 Mobility Utah is eager to provide client-focused mobility solutions to Utah residents, businesses and veterans who may not know what their options are. The 101 Mobility Utah team will work hard to educate Utah residents about the available mobility solutions that many caregivers, businesses and people living with mobility challenges are simply unaware of...

May 7, 2013 - Weichert Relocation Resources Inc., a global leader in workforce mobility management, announced that Mike Cahill has joined the company as Vice President, Business Development. In this role, Cahill will grow new business opportunities throughout the eastern United States region.
Cahill has 27 years of experience in all aspects of corporate workforce mobility, and he is known for his client-centric, consultative approach to developing unique workforce mobility solutions.
“Mike is a results-oriented and driven leader with a proven track record of successfully developing, implementing and leading strategic business development initiatives,” said Jim Schneider, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Consulting Solutions for Weichert...

May 17, 2013 // Franchising.com // As the first new store in Victoria for five years, The Cheesecake Shop Roxburgh Park looks set to hit the cake out of the park with its initial sales performance.
Celebrating its grand opening on April 17, The Cheesecake Shop Roxburgh Park achieved a strong initial sales result, ranking 13 across Australia in its first full week of trading. During this week, the bakery topped the list as the number one ranked store nationally on Anzac Day.
Nick Avgerinos, National Franchise Development Manager of The Cheesecake Shop, commented, “The Cheesecake Shop has been blessed by the overwhelming interest in its Victorian franchises that resulted in three parties vying to acquire the Roxburgh Park franchise...

May 17, 2013 // Franchising.com // CORALVILLE, IA – Pancheros Mexican Grill (www.pancheros.com), a fast casual Mexican restaurant known for its mouthwatering burritos, announces its 19th Iowa location in Altoona. To commemorate the newest addition to the franchise’s home state, Pancheros will be offering their flavorful burritos for $1 on May 29th from 4p.m. to 6p.m.
The key to Pancheros’ unique burrito experience lies in its famed plastic spatula, “Bob the Tool,” which evenly mixes ingredients to deliver a savory mouthful in each bite. Pancheros also prides itself in serving burritos filled with only the highest quality ingredients, like their marinated grilled meats, bold salsas and fresh vegetables. Pancheros’ popular menu also includes other Mexican favorites such as quesadillas, tacos, burrito bowls and salads...

National fitness and nutrition program unites with country to support runners, their families and all of Boston.
SARASOTA, FL May 1, 2013 – Baby Boot Camp and Karna Fitness will donate $4,168 to The One Fund - Boston, the foundation collecting money to support victims of the April 15 Boston Marathon bombings.
Baby Boot Camp & Karna Fitness offered “Running Stronger for Boston” T-shirts and tank tops through its online store, with all profits donated to The One Fund Boston (onefundboston.org). Babybootcamp.com’s online store sold more than 350 in less than a week.
“With five Baby Boot Camp & Karna Fitness owners who offer their own running programs in the Boston area, we recognize this tragedy has affected many of our instructors and clients,” Baby Boot Camp & Karna Fitness CEO Kristen Horler said...